Trial Scene of Merchant of Venice

This is the most important and interesting scene of the play. In the beginning of the scene, we see the Duke is upset about the penalty, but cannot find any lawful way of freeing Antonio from his bond. Shylock enters the court. The Duke tells him that all the men gathered there expect him to pardon Antonio and forgive the debt. Shylock replies that he has already sworn by his religion that he will take his pound of flesh from Antonio. Bassanio then comes forward and offers Shylock the six thousand ducats as repayment for the loan. Shylock tells him he would not take it.

The Duke threatens to dismiss the court without settling the suit brought by Shylock if Doctor Bellario fails to arrive. Nerissa enters dressed as a man and informs the Duke that Bellario has sent a letter to him. The letter from Bellario recommends a young and educated doctor to help the Duke to settle the case. The Duke orders him to be brought in, and Portia enters dressed as a man, named Balthazar.

Portia tells the Duke that she has thoroughly studied the case. She asks Antonio if he confesses to signing the contract. He does, and Portia then says that Shylock therefore must be merciful. She delivers a short speech on mercy, but Shylock ignores it and demands the contract be fulfilled. She says that Shylock has the right to claim a pound of flesh from next to Antonio's heart according to the bond. Antonio's bosom is laid bare.  Just as Shylock is about to start cutting again, Portia says that the bond does not give him permission to shed Antonio's blood. Shylock knows that he cannot cut the flesh without drawing blood, and gets agree to take the money instead. However, Portia says that he has lost his right to get the money. The Shylock decides to withdraw his case. Portia tells Shylock to remain in the court. She says that Venice has a further law which says that if any foreigner tries to kill a Venetian, then half of his property will be given to the Venetian against whom he plotted, and the state will receive the other half. In addition, the foreigner's life will be in the hands of the Duke, who may decide to do whatever he wants. Shylock is forced to kneel on the ground before the court, but the Duke pardons his life before he can beg for mercy. And Antonio is saved by the cleverness of Portia.

This scene is a masterpiece and the most enjoyable in the whole play. It is the scene that converts the play into a happy ending play.